About the Book

FOX’s musical drama Empire has been hailed as the savior of broadcast television, drawing 15 million viewers weekly. A “hip-hopera” inspired by Shakespeare’s King Lear and 1980s prime-time soap Dynasty, the series is at the forefront of a black popular culture Renaissance yet has stirred controversy in the black community. Is Empire shifting paradigms with its depictions of blackness or promoting pernicious stereotypes? Examining the evolution and potency of black images in popular culture, the author explores Empire’s place in a diverse body of literature and media, data, and discussions on respectability.

About the Author(s)

Joshua K. Wright is an associate professor of history and coordinator for the social studies teacher education program at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. He has previously published book chapters and journal articles on race, gender, sports, and popular culture.